The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 157

Olivia

Friday afternoon found us speeding along the Pacific Coast Highway, windows down and music playing. Alexander looked relaxed behind the wheel, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel, the other occasionally reaching over to squeeze my knee.

“So, are you going to tell me more about this Malibu house?” I asked, watching the ocean glitter alongside the highway.

“And ruin the surprise? Not a chance.” He grinned, sunglasses hiding his eyes. “Just trust me.”

“The last time you said ‘trust me,‘ I ended up zip–lining across a canyon in the island.”

“And wasn’t it exhilarating?”

“Terrifying is the word I’d use.”

Alexander’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the display before silencing it. “Work can wait until Monday.”

“Look at you, ignoring calls. Who are you and what have you done with my workaholic husband?”

“I’m evolving,” he said with mock seriousness. “Becoming a more balanced individual.”

“Uh–huh.” I wasn’t convinced. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”

“At least until Monday morning,” he promised. “This weekend is just for us.”

The Malibu house, as Alexander had modestly called it, turned out to be a stunning oceanfront villa perched on the cliffs above a private beach. Modern architecture blended seamlessly with the natural landscape, floor- to–ceiling windows capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific.

“This is incredible,” I breathed as we stepped into the expansive living room. The space opened onto an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the ocean beyond.

“Glad you approve,” Alexander said, looking pleased with himself. “Wait until you see the master suite.”

featured a king–sized bed facing the ocean, with a private terrace and an outdoor shower concealed by

running my hand along the smooth stone countertop. “It’s a

replied,

I asked, leaning back

have dinner on the terrace, maybe take a moonlight swim…” His hands slid up to cup my breasts, thumbs brushing over my nipples through my shirt. “And yes, the

face him. “But I think I’d like to

looked momentarily disappointed but quickly recovered. “Your

below.

you find this place?” I asked, digging

said, watching a seagull soar

with a laugh.

he said with a grin that was simultaneously infuriating and

I started walking toward the water’s edge, feeling the cool spray against my legs. “Race you to that

took off running before he could respond, laughing as I heard him shout behind me. Despite my head start, Alexander caught up quickly, his longer stride eating up the distance between

gasped through my laughter as

head start,” he countered, setting me down but keeping

moment, catching our breath, the waves lapping at our ankles. Alexander’s eyes were bright with something I couldn’t quite name, happiness, maybe, or

suddenly self–conscious

thinking how beautiful you

but quickly deepened, his hands sliding down to cup my bottom and pull me

my lips. “Before

agreed,

experience?” he teased, taking my hand as we

“Hardly. Just common sense.”

spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between swimming in the infinity pool and lounging on the deck chairs with cocktails. By the

Alexander asked, handing me a fresh

wrapping the towel

should be

you